CONUSBAT, a regulatory affairs service provider with expertise in REACH and EU regulations for the cosmetics industry, among others, announced it has formed an alliance with Global Regulatory Services (GRS). GRS, based in the U.K., has a proven record in the life science industry, specializing in regulations affecting food supplements, stem cell therapy, herbal medicines and medical devices. Together, the firms provide a rich source for compliance knowledge as well as a global network.

Steven L. Hanft, founder and president, and Annelie Struessmann, PhD, regulatory and technical director, both for CONUSBAT, are thrilled with the implications of this arrangement. Hanft said of the partnership, "[GRS's] expertise with herbal medicines, food supplements and medical devices complements [CONUSBAT's] work." He added that this will provide the company additional support to reach global clients to assure their compliance with regulatory requirements.

Greer Deal, director for GRS, added, “With the current EU Cosmetics Directive becoming the Cosmetic Products Regulation, fully enforceable in July 2013, GRS can envisage that many existing and new cosmetic companies will need support to ensure full compliance by next year's deadline. Therefore, GRS felt it was important to link up with another like-minded consultancy that specializes in the cosmetic industry, and CONUSBAT provides us [this] synergy.”